The decision, which was first reported by NBC News, is a reversal for the president, who repeatedly said he would not use his authority to pardon his son or commute his sentence.

Summary

President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden, reversing his prior stance against using executive clemency.

The pardon covers Hunter’s federal gun conviction and tax evasion guilty plea, sparking political controversy.

Biden cited political attacks and a “miscarriage of justice” as reasons for his decision, emphasizing his son’s recovery from addiction and the targeting of his family.

Critics argue the move undermines the judicial process, while supporters view it as within Biden’s constitutional powers.

This decision shields Hunter from potential prison time as Biden nears the end of his presidency.

  • Akasazh@feddit.nl
    10·
    13 days ago

    How does this check work?

    I mean if you’re president is an unethical convict, like the next one, it obviously doesn’t work as intended.

    The judiciary should be entirely separated from the political as per the trias politica.

    • Draces@lemmy.world
      4·
      13 days ago

      I mean that’s what it was meant for, to pardon political victims of the court. None of it was meant to work with political parties though like Washington(?) warned though. But none of it was meant for that

    • newDayRocks@lemmy.world
      21·
      13 days ago

      The president is then in turn checked by the legislature, who hold the power to impeach and remove.

      Just that everything that works in theory stops working when you have 250 years to break it.